Daniel Rowbottom has been confirmed as the second driver for Team Dynamics in the 2021 British Touring Car Championship, partnering up with Gordon Shedden as Matt Neal steps down from driving duties.
Rowbottom will enter into his second season in the BTCC, having made his début in 2019 with Ciceley Motorsport in a Mercedes-Benz.
With Team Dynamics having lost its Honda and Yuasa backing for 2021, Halfords has remained on board as a primary sponsor, with Cataclean coming in to join the partnership thanks to Rowbottom’s links to the company.
“This is a great partnership for us and in these uncertain times, to get a multiyear deal, means we can continue to invest and develop in our BTCC programme,” said Team Manager James Rogers.
“Both drivers are highly motivated, and we hope for great things in 2021”.
Rowbottom is looking forward to joining the championship-winning squad and to build on his rookie season, in which he achieved a best result of 14th.
“For me this an absolute dream come true and I’m really looking forward to the season ahead,” said Rowbottom. “This is a great opportunity for me with a topflight team and the continued backing of Cataclean.
“I can’t wait to get behind the wheel and see what this car can do.
“I’ve been studying the data and it looks fast on paper and has been proven to be fast on track, so I’m really excited to finally go testing next month”.
The confirmation that Neal will not be driving in 2021 means he will not feature on the grid for the first time since 1990.
However, Neal has not formally called time on his BTCC career, instead referring to it as a ‘year out’ of the sport.
“Firstly it is great to welcome Cataclean to the team and continue our long-standing relationship with Halfords,” said 54-year-old Neal.
“Secondly, I am going to be taking a year out of the sport this season, but I will still be representing Halfords as a Brand Ambassador and acting as a mentor, both on and off track, for both drivers.
“Honda and Yuasa have both decided to focus on different challenges this year so we have been working hard over the winter to pull a package together that will still see us contending at the sharp end of the grid and ultimately achieve our goals and aspirations, which is winning titles!
“I’m really excited for the coming season”.